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Rediscovering Balance: My Journey Through Recent Burnout and Self-Care Tips

Liberation Lunes

June 10th, 2024

Why I Haven't Posted Since April 15th?

You may have noticed my absence from the blog for the past several weeks. Or perhaps not—I'm unsure how many of you regularly read it. In any case, my hiatus was due to an unexpected illness I caught while traveling through Portugal and Spain. Facing my fear of flying, adjusting to an adventurous and on-the-go vacation style, and abandoning my daily routines (walking, meditation, sunshine, healthy eating, etc.) compounded the stress. Additionally, leaving my practice at Through the Valley and my cherished clients for such a long period, along with my child getting married, intensified my burnout. It hit me hard, and I nearly considered closing my practice to pursue a new career. Listening to our bodies is crucial; if we ignore the subtle signs, they will force us to stop, which is exactly what happened to me. It’s tough when others don’t understand the extent of these struggles.


As a woman navigating menopause, autoimmune challenges, and the demands of being a mother, grandmother, and a Christian Mental Health Counselor, I had to heed my own advice: mind, body, and spirit need care. It's ironic how we, as helping professionals, often neglect our own well-being while advocating for others.


During this time of healing, many hidden truths came to light, and the importance of boundaries became more evident than ever. While many thought I had an amazing time, my body was actually trying to recover from illness, and instead of listening to it, I kept pushing myself. After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's funny how social media paints a deceptive picture. Many saw my vacation photos and assumed I was having a wonderful time, but I was actually very sick, putting on a brave face for this rare experience.


The lesson here? Don't make assumptions. Social media rarely shows the whole truth. Therapists are human too. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have lived experiences and tools to help guide you.


Tips for Navigating Burnout


1. Listen to Your Body:

Pay attention to the early signs of fatigue, stress, and physical discomfort. Ignoring these can lead to more serious health issues. After catching the virus four days into a 24-day trip, I had to take antibiotics and NSAIDs, and adapt to foreign food and water, which was tough on my body, especially with CIRS. I kept telling myself I’d deal with it all when I got home, and boy, did I ever. As I say on my podcast, you will pay now for prevention or pay for intervention, but either way, you are going to pay.


2. Set Boundaries:

Learn to say no. Prioritize tasks and understand that it's okay to delegate or postpone non-essential activities. I should have said no and just chilled in the Airbnbs, but FOMO got the best of me.


3. Self-Care Routine:

Develop a self-care routine that includes activities you enjoy and that relax you. This could be reading, taking a bath, or practicing a hobby. My self-care stayed in Florida during this trip. Ay yi yi!


4. Seek Support:

Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist. Sharing your struggles can provide relief and new perspectives. After returning, I spent two weeks sleeping, fasting, and eating healthily. I sought help from my functional integrative doctor, gynecologist, chiropractor, masseuse, and acupuncturist. I also reconnected with friends and returned to church even when I didn't feel like it.


5. Healthy Lifestyle Choices:

Ensure you're eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise. These basics are vital for overall well-being. I’m back to my strict lifestyle, often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with autoimmune conditions. Hearing comments like "You like being sick" or "Why can't you be normal?" from close ones hurts deeply, so if you wrestle with autoimmune I get you!


6. Mindfulness and Meditation:

Practice mindfulness or meditation to help manage stress and stay grounded. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. I’ve resumed my morning ritual of Bible reading, breathwork, and prayer.


7. Professional Help:

If you're experiencing severe burnout, consider seeking professional help. A therapist can provide strategies and support tailored to your needs. I have my own therapist because therapists need therapy too!


8. Regular Breaks:

Take regular breaks during your workday to avoid prolonged periods of stress. Short breaks can help maintain productivity and reduce burnout. I’m typing this outside, enjoying mangoes from my organic tree while watching birds at the feeder. Nothing makes me happier than God’s creation.


9. Reflect and Realign:

Regularly reflect on your goals and values. Ensure your daily activities align with what truly matters to you. I’ve spent hours reflecting, especially in prayer. I’ve learned to never forsake my daily routine, to say no when necessary, and to prioritize my well-being.


Moving Forward


I’m now on the road to recovery and have a few openings to help guide you to your mountaintop. Let’s embark on this journey of healing together. And remember to Trust in the Lord, Guard Your Heart and Renew Your Mind!


In Service, Faith, Hope and Love,

Diana


P.S. If you haven't yet come listen to The Holistic Counselor Podcast




And now for the disclaimer to make sure you understand that YOU are responsible for YOU:


Disclaimer: The content provided on "Liberation Lunes" is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The views expressed on this blog are my personal opinions and do not represent the views of any professional organizations with which I am affiliated. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or 988 immediately. "Liberation Lunes" does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the blog. Reliance on any information provided by "Liberation Lunes," others appearing on the blog at the invitation of "Liberation Lunes," or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.

Confidentiality Notice: If you choose to engage with "Liberation Lunes" by commenting or posting and you are a client, please be aware that you may be revealing information that could compromise your confidentiality. Remember that disclosing your identity or personal details can be linked to your clinical material. As a therapist, I am bound by confidentiality and will not respond to any disclosures of this nature on this blog. I am committed to upholding the ethics and confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship, which extends to all forms of communication, following the laws and professional guidelines that govern mental health professionals. Your privacy is of utmost importance, and you are responsible for protecting it when interacting on this platform or any other public forum.

 

 




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